NEWS FROM GRAND MESA,

UNCOMPAHGRE & GUNNISON

NATIONAL FORESTS

DATE: June 1, 2005

CONTACT: Matt Glasgow

874-6674

The GMUG National Forest is putting on a birthday bash and everybody’s invited. On July 4th, music, ghosts, and dancing Utes will highlight the Forest Service’s centennial celebration. The event marks 100 years of serving people and caring for the land. The celebration starts at Powderhorn Resort and entry to all celebration activities is free.

In the push westward, America’s pioneers brought with them homegrown music.

It will be heard again at the celebration planned for noon to 2 p.m. at Powderhorn on July 4th. Special sound and songs will be provided by the Bluesrangers of Mississippi. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended for grass seating. Food will be available for sale from 11am –2pm

The ghost of William Kreutzer, the Forest Service’s first district ranger, will visit a number of places on Grand Mesa National Forest. At Powderhorn, he’ll be followed by a troupe of Utes doing authentic but seldom seen ancestral dances in full ceremonial garb. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl also are expected to visit.

Following the ceremony at Powderhorn, cowboy poetry can be heard at Raber Cabin. There will also be gunslinger performances, horse packing demonstrations, and tours presented by Winnie Raber, the cabin’s last “real”cow-camp resident.

If you have a story to tell, “oral histories” will be recorded at Lands End Visitor Center. A number of books will be on sale at Land’s end, including “Kannah Creek” which will be signed on-location by author Carol Anderson.

At the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, off Highway 65, enjoy an Interpretive Walk, a chance to meet the Master Gardners of Grand Mesa, a chance appearance of Smokey Bear, Ranger William Kreutzer, and a brief recognition ceremony for retired Forest Service employees. A number of nature and history books will be on sale at discount prices.

South of the Forest, the Cedaredge Welcome Center will be open. There are plans to open Pioneer Town to visitors from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. To the north, the community of Mesa plans an evening ice cream social.

All July 4th Forest events are scheduled to end in time for the public to get down to the valley before fireworks shows begin in towns near the Grand Mesa.

In addition, “The Greatest Good” a feature-length documentary film narrated by Charles Osgood, will premier at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction at 7 p.m., July 9. Admission is free.

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